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PROPHETIC CATECHISM, 



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LEAD TO THE STUDY 



OF THE 



PROPHETIC SCRIPTURES. 



IN QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS, 



BY ETHAN SMITH, 

M 

Author of "Key to Figurative Language," "Dissertation on the Prophecies," 
"View of the Trinity," " View of the Hebrews," "Key to the Revelation," etc. 



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"These things shalt thou diligently teach to thy children. "-^-Mosss* 










3 8~9 







BOSTON :> 

CROCKER & BREWSTER, 

47 Washington-Street, 

1839. «. 



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INTRODUCTION 



The present is a most interesting age of the world, 
And, among the vast events of it, is the happy long pre- 
dicted fact, that God is " turning the heart of fathers to 
their children ; and the heart of children to their fa* 
triers," — " to make ready a people prepared for the 
Lord." This developes itself in Sabbath school and bible- 
class instructions ; bringing the rising race to the Bible, 
to learn the things of God. And it is happy that a rich 
variety of well adapted books are furnished, to aid in 
these noble efforts. 

But it is a sad fact that few or no such aids are fur- 
nished to lead to the study of the prophetic Scriptures. 
Where is one simple elementary preparation of this kind 
to be found ? Yet a great and interesting part of the 
Holy Oracles is prophetic. And concerning this, Christ 
says, " Let him that readeth understand." " How is it 
that ye do not discern the signs of the times ? " " Blessed 
is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this 
prophecy, (the Revelation,) and keeps those things that 
are written therein; for the time is at hand." " Seal not 
the sayings of the prophecy of this book." Or, say not 
they are sealed ; nor let them remain thus ! " For the 
time is at hand ! " — showing that such commands of 
Christ apply, before the fulfilment of the events. Seven 
times the command of Christ is given in this book, "He 
that hath ears, let him hear!" And four times, "Come 
and see." And yet this study has been almost wholly 



4 

neglected by the great mass of even the professed people 
of God. And much of the word of God is thus misim- 
proved, and virtually lost. Is this a grateful improve- 
ment of God's kind warnings? 

Having paid, in my long ministry, some attention to 
this kind of study ; I have been requested to furnish 
something to aid the rising generation as introductory to 
it; which I have at last undertaken to do in the follow- 
ing Catechism. It seems then, proper to insert here 
something to excite the public confidence, as the subject 
is difficult. To this end, I shall give extracts from some 
testimonials given in behalf of my "Key to the Revela- 
tion" lately published. 

From Rev. J. Burr. — " This work, it appears to me, 
will be one of the few books which may live through the 
Millennium." 

From Rev. Dr. Emmons. — " I thought you treated 
this deep and important subject in a very ingenious and 
lucid manner. I have no doubt but it will meet the ap- 
probation of good judges, and will subserve the great 
cause." 

From Rev. Drs. Brownlee and De Witt. — " Mr. Smith 
has evidently bestowed much pains to arrive at the true 
meaning of the symbolic language of prophecy. The 
work is, in our judgment, of deep and labored research. 
There is much ingenuity in his arguments, and his his- 
torical illustrations; which are brought forward with be- 
coming modesty ; and seem to us to possess unity, and 
consistency. And we are persuaded that the book will 
be interesting and instructive to all classes of Chris- 
tians." 

From Rev. Dr. Peters. — " Having been favored with 
the perusal of Mr. Smith's Key to the Revelation ; I am 
happy to express my entire concurrence with the above 
recommendation of Rev. Drs. Brownlee and De Witt." 

From Rev. Dr. M'Cartee, and Rev. Messrs. Ervine, 
Spencer, and E. Mason. — " We are happy to recommend 
this work to the christian public. The author has evi- 
dently made himself acquainted with symbolic language ; 
and the general design, as well as the particular views, 
of the prophetic Scriptures of which he treats." 



From Rev. President E. Baldwin. — " Attempts of in- 
ferior and hasty writers on the Revelation, have often 
resulted in mistake, not to say in injurious error. Mr. 
Smith's Key to the Revelation has, in my opinion, better 
claims to our respect. It is clearly a production of deep 
thought and research. His plan is, to a good extent, 
new; and his work throughout interesting. I have read 
nothing on the Revelation which afforded me equal sat- 
isfaction. " 

This last clause, Rev. President Moore expressed to 
me many years ago, on having seen my plan of the 
book. 

From Rev. Dr. Tucker. — " I am prepared to express 
my approbation of this work. As a commentary, it is 
critical and judicious. And as an exposition of a diffi- 
cult part of the holy Scriptures, it is lucid and con- 
vincing." 

From the Cleaveland Observer, Ohio. — " New Publi- 
cation : Smith's Key to the Revelation. A second edi- 
tion of this valuable work has just been issued from the 
press, (in Boston ) It has already gained very consider- 
able celebrity. Mr. Smith has spent a good share of a 
long life among the prophetic writings, and has acquired 
an acquaintance with them, which very few persons pos- 
sess. There can be no doubt but the book of Revelation 
is to attract an interest and attention never yet bestowed 
upon it. And, as the scenes it describes, and the events 
it foretels, thicken ; the value of a good exposition of this 
book will be duly appreciated. Such an exposition, we 
judge from numerous notices of the work, as well as from 
a limited perusal, Mr. Smith has given. It is highly re- 
commended by a large number of the most able minis- 
ters. The following opinion of the first edition of this 
work, was given in the New Haven Quarterly Christian 
Spectator, in the number for Sept. 1737." 

" The style of these Lectures is easy, dignified, and 
sometimes forcible. The explanations and illustrations 
are so conducted, as to let the reader at once into the 
meaning of the author; and to make him imagine, at 
least, that he understands the sacred writer. We know 

1* 



6 

of no work which, as a whole, is better fitted to lead men 
of sound minds, who have all their days doubted the pos- 
sibility of understanding this book, to give up their un- 
founded prejudices against the study ; and cause them to 
believe that the Apocalypse, as well as the other parts of 
the Bible, may be understood and explained. No small 
praise is due to Mr. Smith, that, having commenced the 
study of this book at a time when the whole subject of 
prophetic interpretation was involved in mystery ; — when 
the popular writers were those whose speculations were 
the most extravagant, and furthest removed from the do- 
mains of common sense ; — he should have so restrained 
his fancy, and preserved his independence of thought, as 
to produce a work, even in the age of scepticism, which 
has never been charged with wildness or extravagance. 
In this, he has done a service to the cause of prophetic 
interpretation, for which posterity ought to cherish his 
memory. His thoughts on the division of the Revelation 
in two parts, each beginning with the Christian era, and 
running parallel down to the Millennium, are undoubted- 
ly original with him. And the discovery is very impor- 
tant, and opens a new door to the discovery of these 
mysteries. It removes much of the confusion and dark- 
ness, which had hitherto rested on this portion of the sa- 
cred writings. It makes passages plain, which before 
were involved in obscurity. Our readers will see the use 
we have made of this discovery, by recurring to our pre- 
vious remarks. We gladly credit our author for the aid 
he has thus afforded. Another thought, original, and 
peculiar to Mr. Smith, respects the flights of the woman 
into the wilderness, Rev. 12 : 6, 14. He maintains that 
here are two events ; the first, in v. 6, as writers have 
given. But the second, v. 14, brings our pilgrim fathers 
from the tyranny and corruption of the old world, to the 
wilderness of America. We must admit that there is 
something extremely plausible in his reasoning. Our 
readers may obtain a clue to the course of his argument- 
ation from the following extracts" (Liberal extracts 
from the Key here follow, to the close of the eighth argu- 
ment in the Key.) 

" Another original interpretation in Mr. Smith's vol- 
ume respects the pouring out the seven vials. The views 



are plausible, and the reasoning ingenious. We regard 
Mr. Smith as having rendered a valuable service to the 
church, by writing a book eminently fitted to awaken an 
interest in this long neglected study ; and by giving a 
clear developement of some important principles in pro- 
phetic interpretations. Our author's view of the ap- 
proaching contest between the people of God, and the 
combined hosts of popery, infidelity, and licentiousness, 
are judiciously expressed, and sustained by arguments of 
great weight. That there is to be such a contest, is now 
generally admitted. And that it is to be brought on in 
the way described by Mr. Smith, seems highly probable. 
And that it is now rapidly approaching, every intelligent 
observer of the signs of the times seems ready to admit. 
This is a question more deeply interesting in the present 
crisis, than almost any other portion of the sacred re- 
cords." 

Thus much for testimonies given for the Key. 

The writer gave to the public, some twenty-five years 
ago, a small book on the origin and nature of figurative 
language ; containing some of the same views he now 
has of the Revelation. It was recommended by a good 
number of first characters. A large edition sold quick ; 
and, it is believed, had universal approbation. A pro- 
fessor of the first rank of biblical criticism, now in a cel- 
ebrated institution in New England, was asked his opin- 
ion of this book; — he answered, that " he saw it when it 
first appeared ; and was pleased with it ; and that he 
commenced with it his studies of figurative laucruasre." 

That the book of the Revelation may come to be un- 
derstood by the people of God, they must commence the 
study of it. And to do this, they must take the best sys- 
tem of exposition they can find, and examine it familiar- 
ly. This may lead to a decision wherein it is correct ; 
and wherein it is incorrect. Such is the process in some 
points of mathematics. Some positions must be assumed, 
as hypotheses, to commence the process of seeking the 
correct result. This exposition then, given of the Reve- 
lation, may, upon the same principle, be assumed ; — as 
more is said in favor of it, than of any other now extant ; 
and this from first divines; some of whom say, they 



8 

have taken it for their course of instruction to their 
youth. Let people then, form the familiarity with these 
views given of this neglected part of the Bible, in the en- 
suing Catechism, to commence attention to the subject, 
and an examination of it. If the true sense of the Reve- 
lation is ever found, it must be attempted in this way. 
Let classes be taught these expositions given on the Re- 
velation, then, as what, at present, seems the most likely 
to be correct. This may be a happy entering wedge, to 
the study of this important part of the word of God. 

The questions in the Catechism are not designed to 
confine the teacher to the exact points found in them ; 
but to give a general line of the ideas. From this he 
may branch out, as fields of matter may open for further 
exposition, illustration, or practical reflections. Wisdom 
will here be profitable to direct. 

Were this subject understood as it may be, and ought 
to be ; people would be guarded against impositions from 
fanatical expositors and teachers, such as do and will 
arise in these last days. 



PROPHETIC CATECHISM. 



Question 1. What is prophecy, as found in the Bible? 

Answer. An inspired foretelling of events then future. 

Q. 2. Is there much of this in the word of God ? 

A. There is much, in both the Old and New Testa- 
ments. 

Q. 3. Why were events then future thus foretold ? 

A. To give warning to man of important things that 
were coming, — both mercies and judgments. 

Q. 4. What were some of the events thus foretold ? 

A. The general deluge ; the bondage of Israel in 
Egypt; their return at a certain time; their possession 
of Canaan ; their seventy years of captivity in Babylon ; 
their restoration : the coming of Christ in the flesh ; and 
the time of this event, as given to Daniel ; the rise of the 
Christian kingdom ; the destruction of Jerusalem, and 
the dispersion of the Jews, after they had fulfilled the 
Scriptures in putting to death the Lord of glory ; the rise 
of papal Antichrist ; of Mohammedism ; the reformation ; 
the present flight of the angel of missions ; the battle of 
the great day of God ; the millennium ; a general resur- 
rection, and judgment; an eternal heaven, and hell. 

Q. 5. In what kind of language is prophecy mostly 
given ? 

A. In figurative language, which is the representing 
of one thing by another. 

Q. 6. What are some instances of this kind of lan- 
guage. 



10 

A. Christ calls his body, as slain for man, meat, and 
bread ; and his blood, as shed for man, drink, and wine ; 
and the church his bride. 

Q. 7. What are some other instances of figurative 
language? 

A. In secular things, the sun denotes highest civil 
authorities; the stars, subordinate rulers; Joel. 2 : 31; 
and Rev. 6 : 13. In ecclesiastical things, the sun de- 
notes Christ; and stars his ministers; Mai. 4 : 2; and 
Rev. 1 : 20. 

Q. 8. Why is this kind of language used in prophecy ? 

A. That the events predicted may, for a time, be in- 
volved in some obscurity ; and that the divine govern- 
ment and veracity may the better appear in their fulfil- 
ment. 

Q. 9. What was the origin of figurative language, 
and the reason of it? 

A, The early poverty of human language, and the 
necessity of the thing, to express ideas. (See Lect. 1, 
in Key to the Revelations.) 

Q. 10. What is said of this kind of language? 

A. That it was at first very simple, but came to be 
compounded, as hieroglyphics; and it has been retained, 
to embellish language in its most refined state. 

Q. 11. How came the prophets in Israel to make so 
liberal a use of it ? 

A. Israel were four hundred years in Egypt, in the 
origin of their nation, where this kind of language was 
in early and abundant use; and even the inspired proph- 
ets used language as they had learned it. 

Q. 12. Whence are bible figures derived? 

A. From the following sources, — the starry heavens ; 
the air, with its winds, storms, lightning, thunder ; the 
earth, with its water, fire, earthquakes, minerals, metals, 
stones; trees, grain, plants; the sea, with its waves, bil- 
lows, depths ; cities in peace and in arms; wars, armies, 
leaders, battles, conquests, captivities ; houses with their 
furniture, etc. 

Q. 13. What further sources of bible figures can you 
name? 

A. Temples, prisons, courts, judicial proceedings ; 
roads, highways, mountains, deserts, rivers, brooks, 



11 

springs, and wells ; the human body, with its sustenance, 
ornaments, dress, diseases, remedies ; its senses of see- 
ing, hearing, feeling, tasting, smelling ; domestic rela- 
tions and blessings ; utensils for labor ; actions of men ; 
times and seasons ; the animal creation ; the feathered 
tribes ; reptiles, and insects ; monsters of the earth, and 
ocean ; and assumed forms from the invisible world. 

Q. 14. How shall it be known when figures denote 
secular things, and when ecclesiastical things ? 

A. By their connection, and what is said of them. 
Good sense will at once teach that the sun, for instance, 
in Joel 2: 31, means highest secular rulers; and in 
Mai. 4 : 2, it means Christ ; and that stars, in Rev. 
6 : 13, means secular subordinate rulers ; and in chapter 
1 : 20, they mean ministers of Christ. 

Q. 15. What is a ferocious beast in prophecy? 

A. A great civil power, hostile to the church of God ; 
as in Dan. 7 : 3 — 7 ; and Rev. 13th chapter. 

Q. 16. Are unnatural properties ever superadded to 
such beasts, as heads, wings, etc. ? 

A. They are, to denote certain things in those pow- 
ers ; as seven heads denote seven forms of government ; 
and ten horns, ten kingdoms in an empire ; and wings, 
swiftness of conquest, etc. 

Q. 17. How is the book of Revelation to be viewed 
in the Bible? 

A. As a very precious part of it ; a finishing piece ;— 
a glass, to reflect to our sight many prophetic scriptures, 
and the doctrines, duties, and motives of the Bible, pre- 
senting them so as to make the deepest impression on the 
human soul. 

Q. 18. Does this show the book to be of great worth 
and importance in the Bible? 

A. It does indeed. And it is so taught in Ch. 1 : 3, 
11; and 2: 7; and 6: 1; and 22 : 10. 

Q. 19. Ought this book then, to be devoutly studied, 
and improved? 

A, Six arguments are given, in the last of Lect. 1, in 
Key to the Revelation, to show the great duty, encour- 
agement, and privilege of such study. (Let them be in- 
quired for, 1, 2, 3, etc., if you please.) 

Q. 20. Has this duty been lamentably neglected? 



12 

A. It has indeed, from an idea that it never could be 
understood. 

Q. 21. What division does Christ first give of the 
Revelation ? 

A. He says, Ch. 1 : 19; (repeat it.) 

Q. 22. What is the first here? — " the things which 
thou hast seen ? " 

A. The events of the first chapter. (Inquire for them, 
if you please.) 

Q 23. What is the second, " the things that are? " 

A. The events of the 2d and 3d ch. ; viz. what is 
said to the seven churches ; and in them to us. (Inquire, 
if the teacher please, what is said to each church; or a 
leading view of it, — to Ephesus, ch. 2 : 1 ; to Smyrna, 
v. 8 ; to Pergamos, v. 12 ; to Thyatira, v. 18 ; to Sardis, 
ch. 3 : 1; to Philadelphia, v. 7; to Laodicea, v. 14.) 

Q. 24. What is the third division here, " the things 
which shall be hereafter ? 

A. All the events then future, which should be re- 
vealed. 

Q. 25. What is the subject matter of this third divi- 
sion? 

A. It may be called a history of such great leading 
events of the whole Christian era, as God saw fit to re- 
veal to his church for their good, and given beforehand 
in figures. 

Q. 26. What is the evidence that the seven churches 
were not designed to mark seven successive periods of 
the christian era ; as some writers have supposed? 

A. They were called, "the things which arc," in 
distinction from the^things which should be hereafter, 
ch. 1 ; 19. And after them, we have, in ch. 4, and 5, a 
formal preparation to unfold the things then future ; 
which shows that none of the seven churches denoted 
things then future. The letters to the seven churches 
form only a monitory part of the Apocalypse. 

Q. 27. What other divisions are found in the Reve- 
lation. (See middle of Lect. 1, in the Key.) 

A. The things that were to be hereafter, are found 
in two great divisions, running side by side, through the 
same period of the christian era. 

Q. 28. Describe them, and their periods. 



13 

A. The first commences with ch. 6 ; and closes with 
ch. 11 ; giving events from the destruction of Jerusalem, 
to the destruction of Antichrist, and the morn of the Mil- 
lennium ; and this division is then closed. A second 
commences with ch. 12, with the birth of Christ, and 
goes to the end of the world, closing with a description of 
the state of future glory. 

Q. 29. What minor divisions are given in these two 
general ones ? 

A. In the first, are seven periods of judgments, under 
seven seals. The seventh contains seven periods of 
judgments, under seven trumpets; the three last of which 
are called wo-trumpets ; the last of which trumpet and 
wo gives the destruction of Antichrist ; as does the 
seventh vial in the second general division. 

Q. 30. What minor divisions are found in the second 
general division ? 

A. Seven periods of judgments, called the seven 
vials ; the last of which gives the battle of the great day 
of God; as does the seventh trumpet, or third wo, in the 
first general division. 

Q. 31. What is the design of the 3d and 4th chap- 
ters ? (Lect. 5, of the Key.) 

A. They contain a preparation to exhibit the things 
then to be predicted. And they give some of the chief 
characters, and of the apparatus of the book. 

Q. 32. Where is found the place of this exhibition? 

A. In a region seen in vision beyond a door opened 
in the vault of the sky, and called heaven ; to this John 
was called to ascend. 

Q. 33. What did he there behold ? 

A. God the Father, sitting on a throne, with becom- 
ing appendages of his glory. Ch. 4 : 3. 

Q 34. Are we not assured, in the Bible, that " no 
man can see God, and live ? " 

A. No man on earth could endure to see God as he 
really is. But God has given to man on earth, in vision, 
such emblematical views of himself, as man may endure, 
and as accord with figures of heavenly things. Isa. G : 
1—7; Dan. 7: 9, 10; Rev. 1 : 12—18. 

Q. 35. Who are the twenty-four elders here seen, v. 4 ? 
2 



14 

A. Emblems of the lay members of the church on 
earth ; equal to the united number of the apostles and 
patriarchs. The church, in the whole bible, is one. 
S. Songs 6 : 9, 10. 

Q. 36. What are the lightnings, thunders, and voices, 
from the throne, v. 5 ? 

A. Fit appendages of the divine glory; and indica- 
tions of judgments on the foe, in behalf of the cause of 
Christ. 

Q. 37. What are the seven lamps burning before the 
throne, v. 5 ? 

A. Emblems of the Holy Ghost, in his various gifts 
and graces, for the salvation of the church ; as 1 Cor. 
12 : 4, 6, 28. 

Q. 38. What is the sea of glass, clear as chrys- 
tal, v. 6 ? 

A. The gospel fountain opened, Zech. 13 : 1 ; the 
same with the great brazen sea, in the temple of old ; — 
an emblem of Christ cleansing from sin. 

Q. 39. Why is its basin now of glass, instead of brass, 
as of old ? 

A, To show that Christ's light now shines through, 
(and makes plain,) types of old; 

Q. 40 Why is this sea of glass said, in ch. 15 : 2, to 
be mingled with fire? 

A. The red rays of light, (separated by the glass ba- 
sin, as by a prism,) denote, probably, the justice of God, 
secured in behalf of man by Christ. 

Q. 41. Who are the four beasts in the midst of the 
throne, and round it ? 

A. They are emblems of the ministers of Christ. 

Q. 42. What is your evidence of this? 

A. They are spoken of as men, redeemed by the blood 
of Christ ; ch. 5 : 8 — 10. They are distinct from the 
elders, and from the angels; ch. 5 : 11; and 7 : 11. 
They lead in divine worship; ch. 4 : 8 — 11. And they 
call men to their duty ; as, when the seals are opened, 
they say, " Come, and see ; " as much as to say, " Come 
behold the works of the Lord." They answer, in all re- 
spects, to the ambassadors of Christ. 

Q. 43. Is there any other argument in favor of 



15 

A. They are found with the sea of cleansing, v. 6 ; 
as the brazen oxen of old, (emblems of the gospel minis- 
try,) supported this sea, 1 Kings 7 : 25 ; Rom. 10 : 14 — 
17; 1 Cor. 1 : 21 ; Mark 16: 15. 

Q. 44. Why are these emblems given in four different 
forms, v. 7 ? 

A. To denote the different gifts of ministers, Eph. 4 : 
11 ; 1 Cor. 12 : 28. - One class of ministers are well de- 
noted by the lion — powerful, bold ; another by the young 
ox — patient, strong, profitable ; another by a man — argu- 
mentative, humane ; and one class are well denoted by 
the flying eagle — swift of flight, and towering. 

Q. 45. What is meant by the six wings of each? 

A. Their alacrity in duty, Isa. 6 : 8. 

Q. 46. What is meant by their being full of eyes, 
before, behind, and within ? 

A. Their knowledge of God, and of themselves; and 
their vigilance. 

Q. 47. Why do they rest not, day nor night, saying, 
Holy, holy, holy ? 

A. Ministers are noted as thus employed ; Isa. 62 : 6 ; 
Acts 20 : 18—21 ; Col. 1 : 28. They are themselves 
holy ; they teach a holy God ; a holy Trinity ; and a holy 
religion. 

Q. 48. What is meant by the book in the right hand 
of God the Father, ch. 5 : 1 ? (in Lect. 5, in the Key.) 

A. It was an emblem of the events then future, to be 
revealed in the Revelation. 

Q. 49. What was the form of this book ? 

A. The same as of other books of old ; — leaves rolled 
up, one over another, to any amount, the writing inward. 
This book had seven such leaves; with the last edge of 
each leaf sealed down. 

Q. 50. What is denoted by this book being thus 
sealed? 

A. That future events are known only to God, till he 
reveals them. 

Q. 51. Why is the inquiry made, Who can open the 
seals? ch. 5: 2. 

A. To show that none, out of the Godhead, was able 
to be a Savior for lost man, and give him a revelation, 
v. 3. 



16 

Q. 52. What follows upon the finding of one able to 
open the book ? 

A. A chorus of universal praise, v. 8 — 14. 

Q. 53. What is meant by this Savior, (the Lamb, v. 6,) 
having seven horns, and seven eyes, — the seven spirits of 
God? 

A. Christ's infinite power, and infinite wisdom ; be- 
ing filled with the Holy Ghost. The number seven is 
(in this book) a number of perfection. A horn is an 
emblem of power, Hab. 3 : 4. And Christ officially di- 
rects the many gifts of the Spirit of God. 

Q. 54. Why is the song here sung called a new 
song ? v. 9. 

A. The themes of grace will never cloy; but will 
appear forever new. 

Q. 55. Had no future events before this been re- 
vealed ? 

A. The Old Testament abounds with prophecies. 
And Christ had predicted the destruction of the Jews ; 
and the battle of the great day; Matt. 24; Mark 13; 
Luke 21. 

Q. 56. Why then, is this book said to be sealed ? 

A. All antecedent prophecies had been given in an- 
ticipation of the principle represented as here thus set- 
tled ; or of the coming of Christ. 

Q. 57. How are Christians " kings and priests unto 
God?" v. 10. 

A. They have grace given them, in Christ, to govern 
themselves, and to participate, (in holy faith and love,) 
in Christ's kingly office. And they have grace, to offer 
services holy and acceptable to God by Christ ; 1 Pet. 
2 : 5, 9. 

Q. 58. What new evidence follows, of the real di- 
vinity of Christ ? 

A. All creatures worship and adore him ; v. 11 — 14 : 
the same as Heb. 1 : 6. 

Q. 59. What practical reflections are here involved ? 
A. The glory of the great salvation by Christ ; and 
the duty and importance of piously and faithfully improv- 
ing it. (See close of Lect. 5.) 

Q. 60. What historical event fulfilled the first seal, 
ch. 6 : 1, 2? (as Lect. 6, in the Key.) 



17 

A. (Let the essence of the figure of each seal be first 
repeated ; and then the event.) This gives the destruc- 
tion of Jerusalem by the Romans, forty years after 
Christ ; and the early propagation of the gospel ; as Mark 
9: 1; and 13: 30. 

Q. 61. What are we taught by the call, " Come and 
see ? " 

A. That faithful ministers will call their people to see 
and improve the signs of the times ; as Ps. 46 : 8 ; Ezek. 
3: 17; Matt. 16: 3. 

Q. 62. What fulfilled the second seal, v. 3, 4 ? 

A. (Recite it.) This predicted the bloody contests 
between the Jews, dispersed in the empire, and the Ro- 
mans, in the second century. Those murderers of Christ 
were thus further given up to destroy each other. (Lect. 
on the passages.) 

Q. 63. What fnlfilled the third seal, v. 5, 6 ? 

A. (Recite it.) Destructive famines, which soon 
followed, in the reigns of the Antonines. (Lect. on this 
seal ) 

Q. 64. What fulfilled the fourth seal, v. 7, 8 ? 

A. (Recite it.) Deadly wars that followed (foreign 
and domestic) in the empire ; pestilences, and destruc- 
tion by wild beasts, from A. D. 211 — 270; Jer. 15 : 3; 
Ezek. 5: 17. 

Q. 65. What fulfilled the fifth seal, v. 9—11 ? 

A. (Recite it.) This was a warning of a persecution 
under the emperor Dioclesian ; and an inquisition for 
blood, then pending. (Lect. on the place.) 

Q. 66. What was denoted by the sixth seal, v. 12 — 17? 

A. (Recite something of it.) We have here the re- 
volution in the Roman empire, from paganism to Chris- 
tianity, in A. D. 320. (Lect. on the passage.) 

Q. 67. What may be said of these six seals? 

A. That they were judgments on pagan Rome, from 
within herself ; — extending from A. D. 70, to 320. (Last 
of Lect. 6.) The Jews and Romans crucified Christ ; 
and here he thus dealt with them in wrath. 

Q. 68. What is meant by four angels standing on the 
four corners of the earth, holding the four winds, etc. 
ch. 7 : 1 ? 

2* 



18 

A. A deferring, for a time, of further judgments on 
the empire, which were coming from without, — from 
northern barbarians. (Lect. 7, of Key.) 

Q. 69. Why were they thus deferred? 

A. That showers of grace might seal souls for Christ, 
in an interval of peace. 

Q. 70. Did such a sealing take place? 

A. There did ; v. 2—4 ; as Ezek. 9 : 2—4. 

Q. 71. Why are the sealed ones said to be of the 
tribes of Israel, v. 4 — 8 ? 

A. Christians, of any nation, are said to be God's 
spiritual Israel, and the seed of Abraham. Gal. 3 : 
28, 29. 

Q. 72. How is the number 144,000, sealed, to be un- 
derstood, v. 4? 

A. Probably a certain number put for an uncertain ; 
but meaning very many. See the same in Rev. 14 : 1 ; 
a number made by the square of twelve, (the apostles,) 
carried out in thousands. 

Q. 73. Who are the vast numbers in v. 9, 10, with 
palms in their hands ? 

A. Probably all that should be sealed of God on 
earth, in ages then future ; their white robes indicate 
their sanctification and justification ; and their palm- 
branches, their final victory in Christ; ch. 14: 4,5; 
and 19: 7,8. 

Q. 74. What follows, v. 13—17? 

A. A glowing description of heaven. 

Q. 75. What appears, upon opening the seventh seal, 
ch. 8:1? (Lect! 7, continued.) 

A. A half-hour silence ; indicative of high expecta- 
tion ; and the greatness of its events. 

Q. 76. What then appears? 

A. Seven angels, with each a trumpet, an emblem of 
wars and terrors, such as were then pending to come up- 
on the empire, v. 2. Angels are ministers of such judg- 
ments. 1 Chron. 21 : 16 ; Isa. 37 : 36 ; 2 Kings 6 : 17. 

Q. 77. What precedes the first trumpet, v. 3 — 5. 
(Lect. on the same.) 

A. A view of the intercession of Christ for his 
people. 

Q. 78. How is this exhibited ? 



19 

A. By allusion to Exod. 30 : 1 — 10. (Give a sketch 
of this.) Christ, the angel of the covenant, is here given 
in figure, as performing this service ; meaning he does 
thus perform the antitype of it ; as Isa. 53 : 12 ; Heb. 7': 
25; and 8: 1. 

Q. 79. What is meant by the thunder, lightning, and 
earthquake, from the casting of fire from that altar to the 
earth, v. 5? 

A. Judgments on the foe, from the intercession of 
Christ for his church. Ps. 2 : 9, 12 ; Rev, 2 : 26, 27 ; 
p s . 46: 6—9; Rev. 11: 5,6. 

Q. 80. What fulfilled the first trumpet, v. 6, 7? 

A. (Recite the substance of the figure.) It was the 
opening of the invasions of barbarians from the north, 
upon the empire. (See Lect. upon it.) 

Q. 81. What was the effect of the second, v. 8, 9 ? 
(Lect. eight.) 

A. (Recite.) The taking and plundering of the city 
of Rome, by the Vandals. (Lect. on this.) 

Q 82. What was the effect of the third, v. 10,11? 

A. (Recite.) New invasions of barbarians; and their 
deposing the last emperor Momylus. (Lect. on it.) 

Q. 83. What was the effect of the fourth trumpet, 
v. 12? 

A. (Recite.) The fall of all the old government that 
remained. (Lect. on it.) 

Q. 84. What introduces the three next trumpets, 
v. 13? 

A. (Recite it.) This teaches that the three last 
were to be on a greater scale, and of deeper interest : 
and they are hence called wo-trumpets ; or the first, 
second, and third woes. (Lect.) 

Q. 85. What is the fifth trumpet, or first wo; ch. 9 : 
1—11? 

A. (Recite some leading ideas of it,) This was ful- 
filled in the rise of Moharnmedism, in the seventh cen- 
tury. (Lect. on this.) 

Q. 86. What is the sixth trumpet, or second wo ; 
v. 12—21 ? 

A. (Recite a sketch of it.) It was fulfilled in the 
formation and consequences of the Ottoman empire, in 
the fourteenth century, from four Turkish sultanies near 



20 

the Euphrates ; till now restrained thereby enemies ; but 
were now at liberty to form an empire under Othman, 
their first leader. This was the last powerful supporter 
of Mohammedism ; and was a terrible scourge to papal 
Europe. (Lect.) 

Q. 87. What event have we in ch. 10 ? (Lect. 10.) 

A. We have, as is thought, the terrible scenes of the 
revolution in France, of A. D. 1789 ; followed by a 
reign of terror, which deluged papal Europe in blood for 
twenty-five years ; and destroyed nine or ten millions of 
people. 

Q. 88. Who was the mighty angel that here came 
down ? 

A. Jesus Christ, the Angel of the covenant, with his 
rainbow of covenant faithfulness round his head; his face 
as the sun ; and his feet as pillars of fire. His judgments 
now should be both vindictive, and righteous. 

Q. 89. Why did he tread on both sea and land, v. 2 ? 

A. To show that both were now to be shaken by his 
judgments ; as they wore indeed ! 

Q. 90. What was denoted by the little book in his 
hand, v. 2? 

A. That a new and important era, in some respects, 
should now commence. 

Q. 91. Why is the little book said to be open? 

A. Probably to denote that these signs of the times 
should soon come to be understood in the light of 
prophecy. 

Q. 92. What were the seven thunders uttering their 
voices ? 

A. Probably an emblem of a scene of unprecedented 
wars; which indeed took place. (Lect. upon it.) 

Q. 93. Why was John directed to seal up what the 
thunders uttered, v. 4 ? (Lect. 11.) 

A. Daniel, upon the same event, was directed to do 
the same; Dan. 12: 4. The events should not be 
known, (to be anticipated,) till after fulfilled. 

Q. 94. Did the greatness of those events entitle them 
to such notices as these ? 

A. These were most notable events ; as the people 
of this age well know. Seldom can prophecy, or his- 
tory, find events so great. (See this in the two first 



21 

pages of Lect. 31 ; and eight last pages of Lect. 10, of 
Key to the Rev.) 

Q. 95. Was this event foretold in Daniel ? 

A. It is thought it was, in Dan. 11 : 36 — 40. (First 
part of Lect. 11, on ch. 10 : 4.) 

Q. 96. What is the sense of the oath of Christ, 
v. 5—7 ? 

A. The sense of it is found in Dan. 12 : 6, 7. (Lect. 
on these texts,) that the wilful power he had described, 
should sink at the close of the noted 1,260 years. That 
the scene of terror, then taking place, was not the 
seventh trumpet, and seventh vial, as some would 
imagine; that they were still future, but not far distant; 
the same that is meant by Christ, of the same time and 
event, Luke 21 : 9, when these terrors arise, " the end 
is not by and by ; " or is not quite yet ! 

Q. 97. What was meant by John's, asking for, and 
eating the little book, v. 8, 9 ? 

A. That the ambassador of Christ must pray for di- 
vine aid to study and digest this emblem. Rev. 1:3; 
and 22 : 7, 10 ; Jer. 15 : 16 ; Matt. 24 : 15. 

Q. 98. What is the sense of its being sweet in his 
mouth ; but bitter when eaten, v. 10? 

A. It is sweet, to find the true sense of prophecy ; but 
some parts of it, when understood, are terrible; as v. 11 ; 
Amos 8: 10. 

Q. 99. Does Daniel's prophecy of the same event 
give any light upon this ? 

A. It is thought it does, (ch. 12 : 7,) that when the 
wilful power that he had described, shall have accom- 
plished to " scatter the power of the holy people/' all 
these things shall be accomplished ! or this power shall 
then sink in the battle of that great day of God, to which 
the oath of Christ, v. 6, alludes 

Q. 100. What is the sense of John's measuring the 
temple of God, but leaving the outer court unmeasured ; 
ch. 11 : 12? (Lect. 12.) 

A. The temple is an emblem of the church of Christ, 
2 Cor. 6 : 16; and it can endure the measurement of the 
word of God ; Heb. 8 : 5. But the Roman papal church 
can endure no such measurement. They tread God's 
court under foot; v. 2 ; and 2 Thes. 2 : 3 — 12. 



22 

Q. 101. How long was this man of sin to continue, 
v. 2 of this ch. 11? 

A. 1 ,260 years ; the forty and two months ; reckon- 
ing a month as 30 days, and each day for a year. (Note 
on v. 2, in Key.) 

Q. 102. Who are Christ's two witnesses, who are to 
prophesy the same period, v. 3 ? 

A. They are the true church of Christ on earth dur- 
ing that period. (See Lect. on the verse.) 

Q. 103. Why are they called witnesses? 

A. Ministers are so called, Acts 1:8; and many 
other passages. They prophesy or preach, and torture 
the wicked, as do the witnesses ; and the true people of 
Christ aid in the same, as the candlestick bears the lamps 
upon it. Hence both are called the candlestick, a noted 
emblem of the church, v. 4 ; and Rev. 1 : 20. 

Q. 104. Why are they said to be two ? 

A. Their number was, at times, to be small ; but al- 
ways competent. Matt. 18 : 16. 

Q. 105. What is meant by their power of self-defence, 
in v.5,61 

A. The prevalence of their prayers with God, in be- 
half of his cause, as Ps. 149 : 6—9 ; and Rev. 2 : 26, 27. 
(Lect. on the place.) 

Q. 106. By whom are they said to be slain, and when, 
v. 7—10? (Lect. 13.) 

A. By the beast from the bottomless pit ; the same as 
in ch. 17: 7, 8. And it is just at the close of their 
1,260 years ; and thus near the battle of the great day of 
God ; or the seventh trumpet, v. 15. 

Q. 107. Is this event then future? 

A. Nine arguments are adduced, in Lect. 13 of the 
Key, to show that it is. (They may be called for if you 
please.) 

Q. 108. What is said of their bodies ? 

A. That they lie three days and a half unburied, in 
public view ; and the enemies greatly rejoice; v. 8 — 10. 
The enemy here is cruel as ' ; Egypt ; " filthy as " So- 
dom ; " and bitter as were the murderers of Christ. 

Q. 109. What is their resurrection to be, v. 11, 12 ? 

A. God, by his Spirit, and providence, will appear for 
them, and soon set them superior to all their enemies. 



23 

Q. 110. What is the earthquake, of the same hour, 
v. 13? 

A. Some great dismemberment of the infidel system 
(called the beast from the bottomless pit) will take place ; 
to the destruction of many ; to the vast terror of the rest. 

Q. 111. What follows? 

A. The close of the period of the second wo; and the 
opening of the third wo, or seventh trumpet, v. 14. 

Q. 112. What is this? 

A. (Recite what is said of it, v. 15 — 19.) 

Q. 113. What events are here given? 

A. The destruction of Antichrist ; the going of the 
beast from the bottomless pit, into perdition ; and the in- 
troduction of the Millennium. 

Q. 114. What other notices are given of this event in 
the New Testament? 

A. It is given by Christ in Matt. 24; Mark 13; 
Luke 21 ; as is taught in 2 Thes. 2 ; and Rev. 16 : 15. 
It is given as the harvest and vintage, Rev. 14 : 14 — 20 ; 
as the seventh vial, ch. 16: 17 — 21; and as the great 
battle, in ch. 19: 11—21. 

Q. 115. Is it given in the Old Testament ? 

A. It is abundantly given. In Rev. 10 : I, it is said 
to be, " as God hath revealed unto his servants the 
prophets, " and in Rev, 16 : 14, it is called the battle of 
that great day of God Almighty, as an event well known 
in the ancient prophets. 

Q. 116. Where are some of the predictions of it, in 
the Old Testament ? 

A. In Mai. 1 : 1—3 ; Zeph. 3:8; Joel 2:1; and 
3: 1,2,9— 17; Dan. 2: 34, 35; and 7 : 11; and 12 : 1; 
Ezek. 9; and 38, and 39 chaps. ; Jer. 25: 15—33. Inlsa. 
it is much noted, as ch. 2: 12 — 21; 13: 9 — 11; and 
26 : 20, 21 ; and 34 : 1—4 ; and 59 : 12—18 ; and in 
many other passages. 

Q. 117. What is meant by Rev. 11 : 18; that this 
event is " the time of the dead that they should be 
judged?" 

A. Not the final resurrection and judgment, which 
are at the end of the world; Rev. 20 : 11, 12 ; but the 
time of the dead martyrs, that their blood should be 
avenged; as Rev. 18: 24; and 6 : 10; Isa. 2o : 21. 



24 

The Greek word here rendered judged, means avenged, 
as in ch. 6 : 10. 

Q. 118. What is meant by v. 19 here? 

A. (Recite it.) It means that this dreadful event is 
only in God's covenant faithfulness to his people ; as 
Deut. 32 : 43. (Lect. on the verse.) 

Q. 119. Does this close the first general division of 
the prophetic part of the Revelation? 

A. It does ; and the second commences with the birth 
of Christ, in ch. 12 : 1. 

Q. 120. What is the design of ch. 12 ? 

A. To give a sketch of the great events of the 
Christian era, from Christ, down to near the battle of the 
great day. 

Q. 121. What is the evidence of this ? 

A. Ten arguments are given to prove it in Lect. 14, 
in a note before v. I. (Teacher call for these, or not, 
as please.) 

Q. 122. What is the sense of y. 1 ? 

A. (Repeat the verse.) John in vision saw a woman 
high in the air standing in the face of the sun, with his 
rays dazzling round her, standing on a globe, denoting 
the moon ; having on her head a crown, with twelve pro- 
tuberances ; and at the top of each, was a gem, like a 
star. 

Q. J 23. What is meant by this ? 

A. The woman is an emblem of the church, which 
is owned as the bride of Christ ; and is adorned with his 
graces, and righteousness ; overcoming this world by her 
faith ; and crowned with the ministry and doctrines of 
the twelve apostles. (Lect. on it.) The church is de- 
noted as the spouse of Christ. Ps. 45 : 9 — 15 ; Song of 
Solomon ; Rev. 19 : 7, 8. 

Q. 124. What is meant by her being with child? 

A. Her holy desires and prayers for the birth of 
Christ; and for the new birth of his spiritual offspring; 
as Paul, Gal. 4 : 19. (Repeat it.) 

Q. 125. Who is the great red dragon, v. 3 ? 

A. The devil; red, as covered with the blood of the 
saints ; and of seven heads and ten horns, because he 
managed the Roman empire, which was of this descrip- 
tion, Rev. 13 : 1. He stood before the church, to destroy 
her offspring. 



25 

Q. 126. What is meant by his tail drawing a third 
part of the stars, and casting them to the earth ? 

A. The devil's subtle power to manage the rulers of 
that empire, and of the wicked world denoted by stars ; 
to set up one, and put down another, as his infernal cause 
might require. This he has been suffered to do with at 
least " a third part" of them, in all ages. 

Q. 127. How was the child to rule all nations with a 
rod of iron, v. 51 

A. Christ was to do thus, as Ps. 2 : 9. And Christ 
says his spiritual seed shall do thus ; Rev. 2 : 26, 27. 

Q. 128. What was meant by the child being caught 
up to the throne of God, v. 5 ? 

A. The providential safety given to the infant Savior, 
and to all his spiritual seed. 

Q. 129. What is the sense of the woman's fleeing 
into a wilderness for 1,260 years, v. 6 ? 

A. The depressed state of the church, at and after 
the rise of popery, till the battle of the great day. 

Q. 130. What was the subsequent war in heaven, 
v. 7? 

A. It was the tremendous contest of Satan with 
Christ, in the papal system, in the dark ages, under the 
figure of a contest between an old dragon, and his small- 
er dragons, on the one side; and Michael, (Christ) and 
his followers on the other, — carried on high in the airy 
heaven, and visible to man. 

Q. 131. What was the result of the contest, v. 8, 9 ? 

A. Christ prevailed in the reformation, in the expo- 
sures of the abominations of popery, by the reformers, 
about the year 1520 ; — denoted here by hurling the old 
dragon and his young dragons headlong, from their height 
in the air, to the ground. (Lect. on it.) 

Q. 132. What follows this grand exposure of the 
abominations of popery, v. 10 — 12? 

A. A general chorus of praise to God bursts forth, 
from holy beings in heaven and earth, — that Satan was 
thus cast down. And the earth is warned that the devil, 
in rage at his defeat, will attempt new and furious 
things ! 

Q. 133. What did Satan further effect, v. 13 ? 
3 



26 

A. (Recite the verse.) This he fulfilled in his gel- 
ting up, at that time, the horrid order of the Jesuits, by 
whom he raised new and most bloody persecutions. 
(Lect. on v. 13: also note on ch. 16: 8, 9, on the Je- 
suits.) 

Q. 134. What was the result, v. 14? 

A. (Recite it.) This brought our pilgrim fathers to 
the wilds of America, A. D. 1620. Lect. 15. 

Q. 135. What is the evidence of this? 

A. Eight arguments, deemed conclusive, are adduced 
in favor of it. (Lect. 15.) (Inquire for each, if you 
please.) 

Q. 136. For how long a term was this second flight 
of the women, v. 14 ? 

A, To the close of the noted 1,260 years. (See Lect. 
on the verse, and its note.) 

Q. 137. Why is ihe woman said to have been brought 
on two wings of a great eagle ? 

A. This proverbial speech, God used to denote his 
bringing his people of old from Egypt, over the Red Sea, 
and through the wilderness, to Canaan, Exod. 19 : 4. 
And he saw fit to adopt it in the case of bringing the 
pilgrims over the sea, to the wilds of America. 

Q. 138. What did Satan next attempt ? 

A. (Recite v. 15.) Satan, new floods were fulfilled 
in the Voltaire system of atheism and licentiousness, 
which burst out in the French revolution of 1789 ; and 
had been planted by many thousands through Christen- 
dom, with the view to produce a similar revolution in all 
its nations. 

Q. 139. What did these floods effect, besides being 
slyly planted in so many nations, and operating in the 
dark ? 

A. They occasioned the terrible wars which deluged 
Europe in blood for twenty-five years ; and destroyed 
nine or ten millions of the human race, as has been cal- 
culated from high authority ; and they brought the church 
into jeapordy. 

Q. 140. How were these dangers checked for a 
time, v. 16 ? 

A. (Recite the verse.) This figure denotes a won- 
derful providential failure of these horrid plots of Satan. 



27 

Q. 141. What commenced this signal failure? 

A. The loss of Bonaparte's expedition into Russia with 
an army of 400,000 men ; about seven eighths of whom 
never returned. (See last of Lect. 10 ; and Lect. on 
this, ch. 12 : 16.) Wars, for a time, ceased ; and French 
agents in the christian world, for a time, stood aghast! 

Q. 142. What does Satan next attempt ? 

A. (Recite v. 17.) He now goes to the region where 
the woman fled, to instigate a new war there against 
her. 

Q. 143. Had his plan of infidelity been planted in our 
United States ? 

A. It had ; — as is evident from ample authorities ; 
such as Berruel, Robison, Payson, Dr. Dwight, President 
Washington, and others, (Lect. 16, on ch. 12: 15.) 

Q. 144. What is the mode of Satan's new war in 
America 1 

A. It is given in Rev. 16 : 13, 14. (Recite.) (Ex- 
planations in Lect. 28.) 

Q. 145. When do these three unclean spirits appear ? 

A. Between the sixth and seventh vials. The sixth 
has just been discharged on the Turks ; and hence the 
time is the present time. 

Q. 146. What do the three unclean spirits like frogs 
denote ? 

A. Three systems of diabolical influence, pouring 
forth among men. 

Q. 147. What is that from the mouth of the dragon ? 

A. A spirit of vulgar wickedness, and licentiousness ; 
of mobs, profanity, contention, intemperance, murders, 
contempt of ail religion, and good rule. 

Q. 148. What is that from the mouth of the beast? 

A. It is the systematic infidelity of the last days, 
operating in high places, and among first characters; — 
leading to unrighteous measures, crooked policy, high- 
handed oppression, and cruelty ; first men violating con- 
stitutions, and laws, and forming innovations, and things 
worthy of the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless 
pit. 

Q. 149. What is that from the false prophet? 

A. Popery, making its last efforts here. 



28 

Q. 150. What is the evidence that the false prophet 
here is popery ? 

A. In Dan. 7.11, popery, as the little horn of the 
Roman beast, goes with this beast into perdition. In 
Rev. 19 : 20, is an explanation of this very event. And 
here it is " And the beast was taken, and with him the 
false prophet ; and both were cast alive into the lake," 
etc. The false prophet then, is the papal horn. It is 
one of the names given to popery. Its names are, little 
horn ; second beast ; mother of harlots ; man of sin ; and 
the false prophets ; and no other power besides popery is 
found in this connection with the beast from the bottom- 
less pit. (See note on Rev. 16 : 13, 14, in Lect. 28.) 

Q. 151. What is the character of those with whom 
this new war of Satan is made ? 

A. " The remnant of the woman's seed f (a remnant 
of the seed of the pilgrims.) " Who keep the command- 
ments of God f* — (are the flower of his church ;) " and 
have the testimony of Christ," in special showers of grace 
on them and their missionary branches ; characters which 
apply, so well, to no others, as to the American church. 

Q. 152. What ought this seed of the woman to do? 

A. To study these kind warnings of Christ ; to watch 
the fulfilment, the signs of the times, and prepare to im- 
prove them. 

Q 153. What is the beast that is next presented in 
course, ch. 13 : 1 — Lect. 17 ? 

A. The secular Roman beast; the same as in Dan. 
7 : 7 ; — a well known figure in prophecy, to denote a 
great power on earth hostile to the church. 

Q. 154. What are some examples of it? 

A. Old Babylon is so denoted, Dan. 7 : 4; — the Medo- 
Persian power, in Dan. 7:5; and 8:3; the Macedo- 
nian power, Dan. 7:6; and 8:4; the Roman power, 
Dan. 7:7; Rev. 13 : 1 ; and 17 : 3, 8 ; and the papal 
power, Rev. 13: 11, to end. 

Q. 155. What are the seven heads of the Roman 
beast ? 

A. Seven hills, on which Rome was built; and also 
seven successive forms of government ; kings, consuls, 
dictators, decemvirs, military tribunes, emperors, and 
atheistical republicans. 



29 

Q. 156. What are the ten horns of the Roman beast ? 

A. Ten vassal kingdoms under the Roman power. 

Q. 157. What is meant by one of the heads being 
wounded to death ? 

A. Its being made to cease from persecuting the peo- 
ple of God, in the revolution of the empire from paganism 
to Christianity, under Constantine, in 320. 

Q. 158. What is meant by its being healed of this 
wound, ch. 13 : 3 ? 

A. Its becoming again of deadly hostility to the cause 
of Christ, in and after the revolution in France, of 1789; 
the same as the rise of the beast from the bottomless 
pit, ch. 17 : 3, 7, 8. 

Q. 159. What is meant by the world's wondering 
after him, ch. 13 : 3; and 17: 8? 

A. That a world of infidels would admire this horrid 
system. 

Q. 160. What blasphemies and great things took 
place? 

A. The' histories of those times give them in full 
detail. Last pages of Lect. 30, and first of Lect. 31. 

Q. 161. How long was this beast to continue? 

A. To the close of the notable period of 1,260 years. 
Note on ch. 12 : 14. 

Q. 162. What is meant by his making war with the 
saints, and overcoming them? 

A. The same as his slaying the witnesses, ch. 11:7; 
and as the bitterness of the little book when eaten, 
ch. 10 : 9. 

Q. 163. What is the second beast, ch. 13 : 11? 

A. Popery ; the same with the blasphemous horn, 
Dan. 7:8; and with the infamous harlot, ch. 17 : 1 ; 
and that Wicked One, 2 Thes. 2 : 8. 

Q. 164. What are his two horns ? 

A. Civil and ecclesiastical powers. 

Q. 165. How was he to exercise all the power of the 
old pagan beast ? 

A. By his system of religion, no better than old pa- 
ganism ? 

d. J 66. What are the miracles he is said to work ? 

A. Impositions, lying wonders practised on ignorant 
papal multitudes. 

3* 



30 

Q. 167. What is the image he is said to make, to the 
old pagan beast ? 

A. The papal mummery of false religion, which is no 
better than paganism, being of human invention. 

Q. 168. What is meant by his giving life to it; and 
destroying such as will not worship it? 

A. The papal power to enforce obedience to the im- 
pious dogmas of the pope. 

Q. 169. What was the mark which he caused all to 
receive? 

A. Marks of subjection to his horrid system ; such 
as, crossing themselves ; saying mass ; and all their idle 
rules to be kept, on pain of papal rage. 

Q. 170. What was his number 666 ? 

A. As " the number of the beast," it is thought to 
give the year A. D. to be assumed, for the time of the 
rise of this beast, and the commencement of the noted 
1,260 years of his existence. 

Q. 171. When does this bring the millennium ? 

A. At the close of A. D. 2,000, thus ; 666 and 1,260 
give the close of A. D. 1925, for the battle of the great 
day of God : and Daniel's two additional numbers, Dan. 
12 : 11, 12, give the close of A. D. 2,000, for the mil- 
lennium. 

Q. 172. Does this accord with the calculations of the 
best expositors ? 

A. It does. They have thought that various argu- 
ments, drawn from the time of Abraham, and from the 
natural week, give this period for the commencement of 
the millennium. (Lect. 18.) 

Q. 173. What is meant by this 666 9 as the number 
of the "name" of the beast? 

A, It is the number made by the letters which form 
the name Lateinos, in Greek, and the name Rumiit, in 
Hebrew, when those letters are used numerically, or to 
express numbers ; both of which names show that Rome 
is the seat of this beast. (See near the close of Lect. 18.) 

Q. 174. What is meant by the appearing of the Lamb 
of God, on the Mount Zion, ch. 14 : 1 ? (Lect. 19 ) 

A, The appearing of Christ for his church, in the 
reformation in the days of Martin Luther. 



31 

Q. 175. Why are the protestants with him noted as 
amounting to 144,000 ? 

A. To express a great number putting probably a 
certain number, for an uncertain. It is the square of 
the twelve Apostles, carried out in thousands ; to denote 
the thousand fold fruits of the apostolic doctrines, now 
cleared of papal rubbish. 

Q. 17G. Why does their voice of praise to God re- 
semble that of many waters, and great thunder ? 

A. To denote their vast numbers, and zeal, in their 
praises, and devotions. 

Q. 177. Why is their song new, and known to none 
but themselves? 

A. Such songs will never cloy ; but will give new 
delight ; and can be known to none but those who sing 
them. 

Q. 178. W^hy were those protestants of the sixteenth 
century said to be " without fault before the throne of 
God," v. 5? 

A. They were only comparatively so, by a Hebraism, 
much used in the Bible ; as I John 3 : 9. But we are 
assured, " there is not a just man on earth, that doeth 
good, and sinneth not :" and yet the regenerate are 
called the perfect. Ps. 37 : 37 ; James 3:2; etc. 

Q. 179. Why were these protestants called virgins? 

A. They had just renounced the old " mother of har- 
lots ;" and all her idolatries, which are noted in the bible 
as adultery. 

Q. 180. What do we learn from the testimony borne 
of them, " These are they that follow the Lamb whith- 
ersoever he goeth, v. 4 ? 

A. We learn that the great and well known doc- 
trines of the reformation, so called, were thus approved 
of God. 

Q. 181. What is the meaning of v. 6, in this ch. 14 ? 

A. (Recite it.) This is a figure, to denote a special 
and general propagation of the gospel over the heathen 
world, at a time between the reformation, which com- 
mences the ch., and the battle of the great day of God, 
which closes it ; and hence, at the present time ; as is 
now taking place. (Comments in the Key on the pas- 
sage.) 



32 

Q. 182. On what parent texts does this sublime 
figure rest ? 

A. On Tsa. 11: 11,12; and 18:3; and 27 : 13; 
Dan. 12:4; Joel 2:1; Mark 13 . 10 ; etc. 

Q. 183. Was this event typified by the ministry of 
John the Baptist ? 

A. It is thought it was ; as two noted predictions of 
it were applied to him ; those in Isa. 40 : 3 ; and Mai. 
4:5. It is found there that both of these stand con- 
nected with the introduction of the millennium ; and yet 
were applied to John ; which shows his ministry to have 
been a type of the great event. (Key on the passage.) 

Q. 184. What is denoted by the flight of the second 
angel, in v. 8 ; saying, " Babylon is fallen, is fallen ?" 

A. A subsequent general influence, arising in the 
church on earth, calling the attention of people to the 
signs of the times ; the fulfilment of ancient prophecies ; a 
great duty, much neglected ; but to which many will then 
attend. They will see that Babylon (Antichrist) is then 
falling ; and has been falling ; and all collateral events 
predicted, are taking place. 

Q. 185. What is the sense of the third angel flying, 
v. 9, 10, 11? 

A. A subsequent influence to arise in the church on 
earth, warning against all affinity with the great wicked 
influences of the day ; as popery, infidelity, and licen- 
tiousness ; — as ensuring to their subjects eternal damna- 
tion. 

Q. 186. What is the result of this plain and general 
warning, as implied in the verses following? 

A. The wicked, who are thus implicated, will rage, 
and will persecute the faithful ; as is there fully implied. 
(Lect. 20, on v. 12, 13, 14, and onward.) 

Q. 187. Do other prophecies of the same period tell 
of this depression of the church, at that time ? 

A. They do; as ch. 11 : 7—10; and 10: 10. (Let 
these be stated, etc.) 

Q. 188. What is the sense of ch. 14 : 14—20? 

A. We have here the battle of the great day of God, 
led on by this rage of the enemy, under the double figures 
of the harvest, and vintage, to destroy Antichrist, and all 
persecutors. 



33 

Q. 189. What other passages of the Revelation give 
the same ? 

A. Ch. 11: 15 — 19; the seventh trumpet; ch. 16: 
17—21 ; the seventh vial ; and ch. 19 : 19—21, the de- 
cisive battle between Christ, and these enemies. 

Q. 190. What is the marvellous sign, in ch. 15: 1, 
and on? (Lect. 21.) 

A. We have here a preparation for the introduction 
of the seven vials, or cups of wrath, to be poured on 
Antichrist. 

Q. 191. What is meant by the sea of glass mingled 
with fire, and those who have overcome, standing upon 
it, v. 2 ? 

A. It is the same with that explained in ch. 4:6; 
the plan of grace by Christ ; in allusion to the ancient 
brazen sea in the temple ; and the fulfilment of the 
" fountain opened " in Zech. 13 : 1. And the faithful 
people of God standing on its brim, is a figure of their 
blessedness ; and is the same with their dwelling in the 
house of God forever, Ps. 27 : 4 ; and their sitting to- 
gether in heavenly places in Christ, Eph. 2 : 6; viz. their 
living by faith in Christ's ordinances. 

Q. 192. What is meant by their singing the song of 
Moses, and of the Lamb, v. 3, 4 ? 

A. This is the song to be sung by the faithful on 
earth, upon the close of the battle of the great day of 
God ; and the expression of it here, unites the scene at 
the Red Sea, (Exod. ch. 14 and 15,) with that battle of 
the great day, as type and and antitype. (Lect. on the 
place.) 

Q. 193. Why are the seven angels of the vials said 
to come forth "from the temple of the tabernacle of the 
testimony in heaven/' v. 5? 

A. To show that these judgments are sent in the 
covenant faithfulness of God; the emblem of which, (the 
ark of the covenant,) was placed in the tabernacle in the 
wilderness ; and then in the temple of Israel. 

Q. L94. Does Jer. 50 : 28, give any light upon this ? 

A. This battle of the great day is there called, " The 
vengeance of the Lord, the vengeance of his temple" 
God will keep his covenant with his church, against her 
enemies. 



34 

Q. 195. Why is the temple said here to be filled with 
smoke, on this occasion, v. 8 ? 

A. This is fit drapery of the scene ; and is probably, 
in allusion to 1 Kings 8 : 10, 11; and Exek. 10 : 4 ; 
also to the cloud over ancient Israel ; and the promise 
founded upon it, in lsai. 4 : 5, 6. (Let the texts be re- 
cited.) 

Q. 196. When may we suppose the seven vials com- 
menced, ch. 16 : 1 ? (Lect. 21.) 

A. When popery commenced its fall, about A. D. 
1520. 

Q. 197. What occasioned this ? 

A. The exhibiting of it to the world as a rotten sys- 
tem of hypocrisy, by Martin Luther, and the reformers. 

Q. 198. Did the sixteenth century commence with 
clear preparations for such an event, and a new era to 
popery ? 

A. It did indeed. (See Lect. 21, on ch. 16 : 2.) 
The pope now predicted his own destruction. 

Q. 199. Does the language of the first vial accord 
with inspired description of a system of hypocrisy ? 

A. (Recite it.) This is the very description given of 
such a state of things ; Isa. I : 6. 

Q. 200. Is it rational to expect that the destruction 
of popery would commence with a full exposure of its 
abominations to the world ? 

A. It might most surely be expected, (Shown in 
Lect. 21 and 22.) 

Q. 201. Is the same event exhibited elsewhere in this 
book? 

A. In ch. 12 : 9, it is shown by the figure of casting 
down the dragon and his hosts from a high position in 
the air, to the earth ; as has been shown on that passage. 
In ch. 14 : 1, it is the appearing of Christ on his mount 
Zion ; as has been shown on that text. 

Q. 202. What great event now took place, to protect 
the reformers from papal rage ? 

A. The second vial soon commenced, v. 3, as poured 
upon the sea, and turning it to blood ;— fulfilled in a war 
of fifty years, between Charles V. and Francis I. (See 
Lect. upon this.) This war had its seat in Italy, and 



35 

did much toward crushing the pope, and protecting the 
reformers. 

Q. 203. Was this war in Italy great enough to be 
considered the second vial ? 

A. It was. It engaged in it, at different times, about 
all the nations of Europe ; it well nigh destroyed the 
pope ; and exhausted the powers of Charles V., emperor 
of Germany, so that, at its close, he left his throne, and 
retired to private life, after vast struggles of fifty years. 
Q. 204. What was the third vial, v. 4—7 ? (Lect. 24.) 
A. (Recite its language.) It was fulfilled in subse- 
quent and new wars among the papal nations, in the 
seventeenth century. 

Q. 205. What was the fourth vial, v. 8, 9 ? (Lect. 25.) 
A. (Recite it.) It was the course pursued by many 
kings of Europe, to curtail the papal power of persecu- 
tion, and to dry up the revenues of the pope ; and to put 
down the Jesuits, in 1773. 

Q. 206. What was the fifth vial, v. 10, 11 ? (Lect. 26.) 
A. (Recite it.) It was fulfilled in and after the revo- 
lution in France, in 1789. 

Q. 207. What was the sixth vial, v. 12 ? (Lect. 27.) 
A. (Recite it.) It was fulfilled in putting down the 
dominant power of the Turks. 

Q. 208. What next occurs in this 16 ch. ; v. 13, 14? 
(Lect. 28.) $f 

A. Three unclean spirits, like frogs, from the dragon, v^ hi 
the beast, and the false prophet, spirits of devils, pervade • ±y 
the christian world, to prepare them for the battle of the 
great day of God. 

Q. 209. What is the spirit from the mouth of the 
dragon ? 

A. Rabbles of wickedness, in mobs, lawless violence, 
murders, licentiousness, drunkenness, profanity, etc. 
Q. 210. What is that from the beast ? 
A. A spirit of infidelity in high life, the Voltaire sys- 
tom carried forward, in dark and crooked policy, oppres- 
sion and cruelty in great men. 

Q. 211. What is that from the false prophet? 
A. Popery making new efforts to rise again, and 
prevail. 



36 

Q. 212. How does it appear that the false prophet 
here, is popery ? 

A. By comparing Dan. 7 : 8, 11, with Rev. 19 : 20, 
where, the papal horn in the former, is the false pro- 
phet, in the latter, in the same time, and event. 

Q. 2L3. Are these three systems of corruption now 
seen to be operating ? 

A. They must be; as they follow the sixth vial, 
which has just been poured out; and as is clearly seen 
in our states. 

Q. 214. What warning does this occasion from the 
mouth of Christ, v. 15 ? (Lect. 28.) 

A. (State the warning.) 

Q. 215. To what does this allude? 

A. To the warnings Christ has given, of his coming 
like a thief, in Matt. 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21 ; which 
had a primary fulfilment in the destruction of Jerusalem, 
Mark 9 : 1 ; and 13 : 30; Luke 21 : 32; but is to have 
a more signal one in the battle of the great day, as we 
learn in the text, and in 2 Thes. 2 ch., where this coming 
of Christ is to destroy popery. 

Q. 216. Does this give a deep interest to the times 
in which we live ? 

A. It does indeed ; as appears in these words of 
Christ, and in the Lecture on them. 

Q. 217. Where do these spirits of devils gather the 
wicked people of the world ? 

A. In Armageddon; the place where the battle was 
fought, (Judges ch. 4, and 5,) between Israel, (under 
Deborah, and Barak ;) and Jabin, a king of Canaan ; 
which was a type of the battle of the great day ; and 
hence, the latter is noted as being gathered in the same 
place. 

Q. 218. What is meant by the wicked world being 
gathered there ? 

A. Their being led on, in wickedness, to a situation, 
and state of sin, in which God will destroy them. 

Q. 219. What next occurs, v. 17—21 ? (Lect. 29.) 

A. The seventh vial is poured out into the air. (Re- 
cite it.) 

Q. 220. What other passages in this book give the 
same event? 



37 

A. The seventh trumpet, ch. 11: 15 to end; the 
harvest and vintage ; ch. 14 : 14, to end ; and the battle 
with Christ, ch. 19: 11, to end; an event much pre- 
dicted in the prophets. 

Q. 221. What is meant by the beast from the bottom- 
less pit, in ch. 17. (Lect. 30 and 31.) 

A. It is a new view given of the closing part of the 
reign of the secular Roman beast, of Dan. 7 : 7, and 
Rev. 13:1; the same with the healed head of the same 
beast, ch. 13 : 3. 

Q. 222. When and how did this beast rise from the 
bottomless pit ? 

A. In the horrid Voltaire system of atheism, which 
burst out in the revolution in France, in 1789. See 
the enormities of that event in the histories of those 
times. (Lect 31: 32; last of Lect. 30; and of Lect. 10.) 

Q. 223. Did any man (as Bonaparte) constitute that 
beast ? 

A. By no means. It was an enormous influence of 
infidelity and licentiousness, which rose in Illuminism ; 
and is to be destroyed in the battle of the great day of 
God, the fifth vial. Bonaparte was only a signal leader, 
for a time. 

Q. 224. Were the seeds of this horrid system 
planted extensively in Christendom by numerous agents 
of it? 

A. It was ; as has been shown by ample authorities ; 
such as Professor Robinson, Abbe Barruel, Dr. Payson, 
and numerous others. 

Q. 225. Who is the infamous female, on the back of 
this beast, v. 1—6? (Lect. 30.) 

A. Popery in its falling state. 

Q 226. What is meant by this beast having seven 
heads and ten horns? 

A, The same as before given, on the beast, in ch. 
J 3: !. The view here shows him to be the same with the 
beast there ; especially, its healed head. In this new 
form, he was to ascend, in these last days, from the bot- 
tomless pit ; and soon to go into perdition. 

Q. 227. How is it true of this beast, that he " teas, 
and t5 not, and yet is 1 " 
4 



38 

A. He 7/tas, in his pagan form, till the revolution in 
the Roman empire in the year 320. He then was not ; 
or ceased from actual existence, for a long time ; while 
the papal beast took his place, and made an image to 
him ; as was shown on question 269 ; — " and yet is " 
in nominal existence ; and was to rise from the bottom- 
less pit, as has been shown. 

Q. 228. Can you give a further view of this ? 

A. The Bible notes him as one and the same secular 
Roman beast, from the time of his rise, before the 
christian era, till he sinks in the battle of the great day, 
Dan. 7 : 7, 11 ; and yet, much of this time, he had no 
actual being, as a visible and hostile power. But he 
was to become visible, and hostile, in the last days ; and 
to sink in his final battle with Christ, Rev. 17 : 11 ; and 
19: 19,20. 

Q. 229. What is meant by his seventh head which 
had not yet come, and should come, and continue a little 
space, v. 10? 

A. It meant his atheistical republican head, in France, 
in 1789, and till it became an empire. It was first " the 
terrible republic ! " 

Q. 230. What is meant by the last ten horns hav- 
ing no kingdom, but only power as kings for one hour, 
v. 12? 

A. Their individual kingdoms were to be only nom- 
inal, under an emperor ; and this but for a very short 
time ; as was the fact in the confederation of the Rhine. 
(Lect. 31.) 

Q. 231. What is meant by this beast being " the 
eighth ; and of the seven, " v. 11 ? 

A, He is the eighth in direct numeration ; or the 
next after the seventh, — " the terrible republic ;" and 
yet, he must be identified with a preceding one ; because 
this beast has but seven heads ; or seven kinds of gov- 
ernment. He must then, be reckoned the same in kind 
as the sixth, the imperial, which Constantine wounded 
to death ; but which is again healed ; ch. 13:3. 

Q. 232. What is the intent of this horrid blasphemous 
power ? 

A. War with Christ. Ch. 13 : 7 ; and 17 : 14 ; and 
11: 7; and 19: 19, 20. 



39 

Q. 233. What do we further learn of this infidel sys- 
tem of the last days? 

A. Much is said, and implied, concerning it in the 
prophets ; as in Ezek. 8th ch. compared with 2d Pet. 2d, 
and 3d ch. ; and Jude. Lect. 32. This is the Gog, in 
Ezek. 38 and 39. (Note in Lect. 34.) 

Q 234. What is the evidence that the infamous har- 
lot on the back of this beast, (or popery) is here pre- 
sented as on the way to her execution ? 

A. In v. 16, this beast, by his horns, does actually 
execute her, " eat her flesh, and burn her with fire ! " 
And a Roman custom was, to exhibit one for execution, 
in a similar style; Lect. on ch. 17 : 5, 6. And this is 
shown to John as " the judgment of the whore,'' v. 1, or 
her execution. 

Q. 235, What is the event given in ch. 18? 
(Lect. 33.) 

A. The same event, in this second general division 
of the book, with ch. 10, in the first; — viz. the descent 
of Christ for judgment, in the rise of this horrid beast 
from the bottomless pit; and the same with the fifth vial, 
in ch. 16 : 10. In this ch. 18, the effect is noted, as 
it relates to the papal multitudes ; — tearing up their fat 
livings ! and leaving them to grope and moan in the 
darkness of the fifth vial. 

Q. 236. What do we find in ch. 19: 1—10? 
(Lect. 34.) 

A. The commencement of the millennium ; noted as 
the marriage of the Lamb ; because it is a bright antici- 
pation of heaven, where this marriage will finally be cel- 
ebrated ; as ch. 21 : 9 ; and Matt. 26 : 29. 

Q. 237. Why is this given before the battle of the 
great day which follows ? 

A. Not that it will precede it ; but to fortify the Jk " 
minds of the saints ; as in the case of the seventh trum- ^ f 
pet, ch. 11 ; and the seventh vial, ch. 16. 

Q. 238. What is the event in v. 11—21 ? 

A. The battle of the great day of God ; the same 
with the seventh trumpet, third wo, and the seventh vial, 
before given. 




40 

Q. 239. Does the figure of a feast made to the fowls, 
v. 17, 18, rest on any similar prediction of the same 
event ? 

A. It rests on Ezek. 39 : 17 — 20, where the same 
feast is made, on the same occasion. (Lect. on the pas- 
sage.) 

Q. 240. Why is the angel, (calling to this feast) said 
to stand in the sun, v. 17 1 

A. It will be a great and notable event. Also the 
sun is a first emblem of kings and emperors ; and such 
will now find their armies slain. 

Q. 241. Who is the angel coming down with a great 
chain and key, ch. 20 : 1 ? (Lect. 35.) 

A. Probably Jesus Christ, the Angel of the cove- 
nant. 

Q. 242. What is meant by what he here does to the 
dragon, v. 2, 3 ? 

A. (Recite.) He restrains him from being able to 
deceive people on earth any more, till the close of the 
millennium. 

Q. 243. What is meant by the resurrection of the 
souls of martyrs, and of the faithful, to reign with Christ 
on earth, v. 4 ? 

A. That hosts of the most pious people will now be 
found on earth, to commence the millennium ; people 
raised up in the spirit of the martyrs, and of the best 
people that ever lived ; as Elijah was said to be raised 
in John the Baptist ; and old Babylon, in popery ; — 
a figure much known in the Bible. 

Q. 244. Will there be no literal resurrection at that 
time ? 

A. None ! — graves are to be opened only by the 
voice of the Archangel, and trumps of God, at the last 
great day. John 5 : 28, 29; 1 Cor. ch. 15 ; 1 Thes. 4 : 
15 — 18. It is grossly perverting the Bible, to teach 
that there will be any literal resurrection till then. 

Q. 245. Is the second resurrection, (implied in this 
ch.,) of " the rest of the dead," of the same mystical 
kind? 

A. Most certainly. It will be fulfilled only by an 
apostasy at the close of the millennium, which will bring 



41 

forward a world of people of the worst characters that 
ever lived ; and hence this figurative chapter gives to 
them a name of Antichrist ; Gog, given in Ezek. 38 and 
39, to the beast as leading the van against Christ, ch. 
19 : 19, just before the millennium. 

Q. 246 What is meant by thrones, and God's people 
sitting on them, etc., v. 4? 

A. It has no allusion to any worldly kings as then set 
up ; nor civil rulers ; but it is a figure of honor, put 
upon the saints then on earth, to denote their holy state 
of heart ; and their participation, by faith, in the holy 
spiritual reign of Christ then on earth. 

Q. 247. Will Christ then reign visibly on the earth, 
as some imagine he will ? 

A. By no means. The Bible says of Christ, " Whom 
the heavens must receive, till the restitution of all things," 
meaning the last judgment day. Till then, " The just 
shall live by faith. " " Whom having not seen, ye love ; 
in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye re- 
joice." See Heb. 9 : 28. (Recite it.) (Lect. on this v. 11.) 

Q. 248. Is this spiritual reign of Christ on earth, an 
event much noted in the prophets? 

A. It is indeed ; as is shown in Lect. 36, appended 
to this ch. 20, in the Key. 

Q. 249. What do the ancient prophets teach concern- 
ing the millennium ? 


A. They teach its certainty ; and its great excellency. 
Ten particulars of its excellency, are noted in Lect. 36. 
(Let these be called for, if the teacher please ; — as, what 
is the first ? etc.) 

Q. 250. What great events follow the millennium, 
ch. 20 : 7, to end ? 

A. A great apostasy over the world ; — the literal and 
second coming of Christ ; and the literal resurrection, 
and final judgment. 

Q. 251. What is the object of the two last chapters 
of the Revelation? 

A. To give a figurative description of the state of fila- 
ture glory ; — such as infinite wisdom sees best to give ; 
as being best adapted to the feeble state of the human 
mind, in this life. (Lect. 37.) 
4* 



42 

Q. 252. Does the Revelation incidentally give lively 
views of the doctrines, duties, and motives of the gospel ? 

A. It does indeed ; and lays a foundation for the most 
impressive improvements to be made, from its numerous 
and powerful representations ; as is illustrated in the 
Key to the Revelation. 

Q. 253. What are the contents of the last Lecture in 
this Key ? 

A. It gives the harmony of the Revelation : or, the 
events of it in their chronological order; and gives them 
in forty-five particulars, or sections. (These forty-five 
particulars may be inquired for, if it be desired, by ask- 
ing for each particular, thus; What is the first section? 
What is the second ? etc. ; requiring the leading idea of 
each section ; and thus fixing the whole history of the 
book in the memory of pupils.) 



THE BEAST THAT WAS, AND IS NOT, 
AND YET IS. 



In language prophetic, and style of the east, 

An empire contending with God is a beast. 

A line of such monsters the prophets unfold. 

Thus Babylon, Persia, and Greece were foretold. 

A fourth beast terrific was old pagan Rome. 

Huge, rampant, he raved through the world as his home. 

Seven heads, and ten horns were his mark fixed by Heaven. 

His government forms should distinctly be seven. 

And ten vassal kingdoms his dynasty graced, 

Like horns on a furious animal placed. 

His horned head imperial, and flated with pride, 

Was smitten with Constantine's sword, and he died. 

Long ages he lay, and was not, and yet is. 

For name, without life, many centuries, was his. 

While a sly papal beast crept full into his task, 

And formed him an image, a pagan in mask. 

This christiano-pagano- harlot by birth 

Long centuries reigned o'er the kings of the earth. 

But late years of wonder new terrors unfurled — 

The old beast awoke, and astonished the world ! 

From hell babel-builders constructed his way, 

And built him a temple which shut out the day. 

His christiano-rival — he took off her head. 

But her trunk he embalmed some years after dead.* 

His former huge forests he sought now amain ; 

Remembering where ancient huge rivals were slain. 

Great kings, and their armies he slaughtered around ; 

And ten millions of people he sunk under ground. 

Fierce woes of past ages concentred in this ; 

While millions of madmen were dreaming of bliss ! f 



*Bonaparte restoring popery. t"Age of Reason." 



44 

Vast floods the old serpent now cast from his mouth, 

To sweep Zion's cause from the west, north, and south. 

And Zion now trembled, her bark was sore tossed ; 

Her ark seemed just captured, her balance just lost. 

When lo, the earth opened her wide massy jaws; 

And the floods of the dragon went down, and his cause. 

This beast again felt the vindictive keen steel ; 

And he sank with a wound, which he then could not heal. 

He again disappeared, and was not ; and yet is. 

Existence mere nominal, sometimes, is his. 

But the great day of God we still future behold, 

When this beast in perdition shall sink as foretold. 

Behold his sure portrait ; — " part iron ; part clay !" 

Tomorrow he'll rend ; but he crumbles to-day. 

This beast is the eighth head ; and yet of the seven ; — 

Is the sixth, raised to life, to contend against Heaven ; 

He follows the seventh head, "the terrible reign." 

But in kind is the sixth, the one formerly slain. 

His efforts, unfinished, must then, be yet great ; — 

Convulsing the nations, in church, and in state. 

His three filthy frogs, that are devils by birth, 

Were yet to creep forth, and impoison the earth. 

He hence will appear again, healed of his wound ; 

And will thunder, like demon, the wide world around. 

He will leap from his den of perfidious leagues, 

Where, Satan in mask, he perfects his intrigues. 

As impious Gog, he'll yet gather his bands 

From regions diverse, and from infidel lands; 

He will lead forth his arms against Jews, and their God ; 

And will sink in perdition by Christ's iron rod. 

No beast shall then further Christ's vineyard infest. 

The world with salvation and peace shall be blessed. 

The long sought Millennium next will appear ; — 

The jubilee, that long sabbatical year. 



PRAYER FOR YOUNG CHILDREN 



God of mercy, save our children ; 

Young immortals dead in sin. 
Leave them not to condemnation ; 

But implant thy grace within. 

O Redeemer, for man leaping 
Down to earth, a Child Divine ; 

Seal to them this great salvation. 
Make them holy ; make them thine. 

Thou for man didst take a stable ; 

In a manger thou wast laid. 
Then, enduring toil and danger, 

Thou wast found among the dead. 

Now for man thou reign'st in glory, 
Blessed Head of all thy race ; 

O unite our children to thee, 
As the Lord our Righteousness. 

In this world of wiles and dangers, 
Bring them soon to fear thy name. 

Let not Satan, nor his followers, 
Lead them down to endless shame. 

May thy Spirit cause that early 

Some good thing in them be found ; 

On their hearts impress thine image ; 
Bless to them the joyful sound. 



46 



Grant them health, and understanding ; 

May they reach life's active age. 
Then be helpers of thy Zion; 

Till advanced, they quit the stage. 

Then, with us convened in glory, 

May they hallelujah's sing, 
To the Father, Son, and Spirit, 

Three in One our Heavenly King. 



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Deacidified using the Bookkeeper process. 
Neutralizing agent: Magnesium Oxide 
Treatment Date: May 2005 

PreservationTechnologies 

A WORLD LEADER IN PAPER PRESERVATION 
1 1 1 Thomson Park Drive 
Cranberry Township PA 1 606b 



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